BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday expressed his appreciation of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his cabinet's efforts in "actively" promoting the development of China-Britain relations.

China will work with the new British government to push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Wen said in a meeting with visiting British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett.

Tony Blair announced last week that he would step down as Labour Party leader and quit his job as prime minister on June 27.